Curtain rises on new dawn for Sunset Song

Kirsty Paterson

One of the most loved books in Scottish fiction has been dramatised and is heading for Stirling’s macrobert centre next week.

‘Sunset Song’ by Lewis Grassic Gibbon has won many fans over the years for its searing portrait of Chris Guthrie, a young woman whose love of the land binds her to a harsh farming life, despite her love of books and desire for an education.

It’s also the story of how the small rural community of Kinraddie was devastated by the impact of the First World War and this producation by Sell a Door Theatre company has been revived to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the start of the conflict.

Artistic director David Hutchinson told the Falkirk Herald: “It’s a really important time to look at the war and examine how it devasted the land and devastated communities – so many didn’t come back.

“It’s a really powerful look at a young woman struggling to get through the war.

“The war also brought about huge changes that shaped the lives of many women and shaped our perception of women’s roles and that is reflected in Chris’s story.”

The production is directed by Julie Ellen, who took on the task of reshaping the book’s narrative.

David, who is from Stirling, said: “It’s hard to stage a book of this size, but Julie believed it was very important to leave enough gaps for the audience to see their own Kinraddie.

“She worked alongside Jan Bee Brown, the designer, and what they have created is a really exciting theatrical experience.

“It was also important to us to hold it this year - the year of the referendum,” he added.

The novel asks some big questions about the choice between education and loyalty to the land.

“It ties in with questions that Grassic Gibbon asked about Scottish identity which are still relevant today.”

‘Sunset Song’ is at macrobert arts centre on Wednesday, October 1 and Thursday, October 2 at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets priced £14 (£12.50) are available from the box office on (01786) 466666 or by visiting www.macrobert.org.